W.I.S.E. Words 1983 2018

W.I.S.E. words The Newsletter of W.I.S.E. Family History Society Wales – Ireland – Scotland - england

Volume 19, Number 4 Denver, Colorado October, November, December 2018

Celebrating 35 Years

W.I.S.E. is 35—What Will the Next 35 Years Bring? Volume 19 began with a 35th Anniversary article, and it’s fitting to close with one as well. For the past year I’ve had the opportunity to assemble and peruse 1,090 pages of W.I.S.E. Words and have gleaned these nuggets from our history. Because of the breadth of information contained in over a thousand pages, I concentrated on reading through the Presidents’ messages through the years. One common theme was a smorgasbord of excellent programs through the years, which has allowed our society to fulfill its mission of fostering interest in the Genealogy and Family History of the British Isles, increasing the educational opportunities and knowledge of the society members and the general public, publishing W.I.S.E. Words, and supporting the Denver Public Library with the donation of at least 155 books. Commenting on the quality of the programs, then President James Jeffrey posed the question in 2006, “How many other North American British Isles groups can lay claim to having hosted the President of the Guild of One-Name Studies, first Vice President of the Federation of Family History Societies, Pres- ident of the Federation, and the founder of the Ulster-Scots History and Heritage Soci- ety?” (W.I.S.E. Words, Volume 7, Number 2, April May June 2006, page 16). James also authored a detailed account of the history of W.I.S.E. in 2008, “The Evolu- tion of W.I.S.E.: How a study group matured into a spirited family history society.” (I 1983 think we can all agree that we continue to honor and hold sacred the “spirited” part of that title.) In celebration of our history and to inform current members who might not make the effort to access an old volume of W.I.S.E. Words, major portions of James’ historical article follow: 2018 “When was W.I.S.E. formed and what is the back story? We trace our earliest history to the formation of an "ethnic study group" suggested by Shirley Ann Sheets. Miss Sheets worked for many years as a genealogy librarian at the Denver Public Library. She was also involved with the St. Andrew Society of Colorado. She was in charge of the Clan and Genealogy Tent when the Colorado Highland Games were held at Brooks Field, Colorado School of Mines in Golden. Miss Sheets relinquished her duties to Ann Lisa Pearson when the games moved to Highlands Ranch Heritage Park. The Denver Public Library in the early 1980s had three reorganizations, and the W.I.S.E. story fits into that. After the first revamping in about 1982, there was a push for nontraditional programs and events. Shirley Sheets had been hired to assist Joanne Classen in the Genealogy Department, and she set about organizing ethnic study groups. Continued on Page 54

www.wise-fhs.org

W.I.S.E. Words 51 October, November, December 2018

Treasurer’s Report ...... 54 W.I.S.E. Family History Society Membership Report ...... 54 New England Musings: The Pilgrims ...... 54 W.I.S.E. Family History Society is dedicated to research in Wales, Ireland, Scotland, England, the Chan- Tech Talk – Podcasts ...... 56 nel Islands and the Isle of Man. Attention is also directed Butte, Montana, Richer than Ever ...... 57 to the emigration and immigration of these peoples as Do You Have the Time? ...... 57 well as heraldry and one-name studies. Monthly meetings June Program ...... 58 are generally held the fourth Saturday of most months at the Central Denver Public Library, 7th Floor. Member- August Program ...... 58 ship is open to anyone with interest in family history and Denver Architecture Walking Tour ...... 58 genealogy. Membership dues for the calendar year are Colorado Scottish Festival ...... 59 $12 for an individual or $15 for a family living at the same address. The W.I.S.E. Family History Society pub- Oh, Canada! ...... 59 lishes W.I.S.E. Words four times per year, and a subscrip- Lughnasadh or First Harvest ...... 61 tion is included with membership dues. Add $5 to the dues Edward I – Longshanks, Pa rt II ...... 62 if you want a printed copy of the newsletter mailed to you. A Welsh Film Star: Richard Burton ...... 64 © 2000-2018, W.I.S.E. Family History Society, Book Reviews ...... 66 P.O. Box 40658, Denver, CO 80204-0658 All rights reserved. Program Schedule ...... 67 Visit our website at www.wise-fhs.org. President’s Message

Officers and Board Members As we prepare for our Scottish Seminar featuring Christine Woodcock, I can’t help looking back at President ...... Sylvia Tracy-Doolos [email protected] 2018 and forward to 2019. As genealogists and his- Vice President/Program Chair ...... Sandy Ronayne tory buffs we constantly examine the past and draw Secretary ...... Marilyn Edwards-Roberts parallels to the present. This month, with W.I.S.E.’s Treasurer ...... Bruce Haefner 35th anniversary, as we step back to consider our Membership Coordinator ...... Suzann Smith organization’s rich history, we can get a glimpse of Members’ Interests Coordinator ...... Jo Sempeck the intentions of our founders, and we can look for Publicity Coordinator ...... Diana Copsey new ways to build on those intentions. Archivist ...... Marcia Kehl CCGS Delegate ...... Bill Hughes Building community is what W.I.S.E. was founded Hospitality Coordinator ...... Debbie Boucher on and continues to be about. A community of in- Interim Webmaster ...... Sandra Keifer-Roberts dividuals who love to learn about our shared history Member-at-Large ...... Sandy Breed in the British Isles, Ireland, and America—a community of genealogists, historians, and literary con- noisseurs. We come together monthly to explore, Newsletter Staff share, and discuss our families, our histories, and Newsletter Editor ...... Mary Anne Larson our differences and similarities. Our August pro- ...... [email protected] Assistant Newsletter Editor ...... Sandra Keifer-Roberts gram was an example of the breadth and depth of Book Review Editor ...... Zoe von Ende Lappin the interests and talents of our membership, and the Proofreader ...... Bruce Haefner support our community has for its members. Distribution Coordinator ...... Sue Clasen We are continually looking for interesting ways to Wales Editor...... Nancy McCurdy build community and to serve the interests of our Ireland Editor ...... Thyria Wilson members. Aside from our monthly programs we Scotland Editor ...... Diane Barbour have an off-site field trip each summer and have England Editor ...... Mark Wells representation at area festivals that expand on

W.I.S.E.’s community. We have been represented In This Issue at four festivals in 2018 and have at least one more W.I.S.E. is 35 ...... 50 planned. Resources to support these outreach op- President’s Message ...... 51 portunities have been purchased or donated by our From the Editor ...... 52 community members. If you have ideas that you

www.wise-fhs.org

W.I.S.E. Words 52 October, November, December 2018 think would help build or strengthen our commu- Zoe Lappin very capably documented some of the nity, please share them with any board member. societal changes that have taken place in the past 35 years as well: As I look forward to 2019, my first thoughts are to the Annual General Meeting and elections. We “It’s said that a business owner’s first re- have several openings for those who have talents sponsibility is to stay in business. Without they are ready to use in advancing W.I.S.E.’s goals. a product, the product or service cannot be We also will be approving a budget that will allow sustained and it goes kaput. Jobs disappear. W.I.S.E. to better serve our community. A small in- The accomplishments, venerability and im- crease in membership fees will be proposed be- portance of the business don’t matter if the cause we are still charging 2004 prices while the owner must bail out. cost of everything else has gone up. We have great Sadly that’s what happened in Denver this things planned for 2019 and beyond and hope you winter when the Rocky Mountain News, my will continue to be a partner in those plans! employer for 24 years, died just short of its Sylvia Tracy-Doolos 150th birthday. Economic conditions, the Internet, and possibly, a defective compet- From the Editor itive strategy a couple of decades ago cul- minated in its losing millions of dollars a Once again, I sit down to write this message abso- year, and it was goodbye, Rocky. Readers lutely amazed and inspired by the contributions of lost not only a best friend but a cog in the our members. As mentioned in the lead article, I complex system we know as democracy and took the time to review the President’s messages capitalism,” (emphasis added). (Volume over the past 20 years of publication of W.I.S.E. 10, Number 3, July August September Words, and what I learned was awe-inspiring. We 2009, page 36). indeed have a society of which we can justifiably be proud. Zoe continued that message with comments asking for volunteers: “We need what every member has Each President documented that pride in our soci- to offer—initiative, resourcefulness, steady hands, ety; and a second common theme was continued a willing mind and body—volunteers all.” Speak- pleas for members to step up and get involved to ing of volunteers, I already know from the Excel ensure the continuation of our society. With several spreadsheet that I create upon receipt of articles that people of Scots descent in my life, I laughed right we are well over the content limit of this issue, and out loud at the second part of James Jeffrey’s com- some tough decisions must be made as to exactly ment in his Presidential Palaver address: what will be published in the first issue of Volume “We all have talents and skills and W.I.S.E. 20. I am incredibly thankful for that. Speaking of offers the perfect forum to rid yourself of volume 20, I intend to do some re-formatting— an inhibiting bushel basket and to let your nothing major of course, but something to increase gifts shine. Do not think for a moment that readability on a computer screen and reduce the you are being rushed, as there are a fair amount of time spent streaming the articles, with number of us with Hebridean roots who added flexibility for graphics. when asked what time it is may answer Au- Past issues of W.I.S.E. Words are now on our web- tumn, when pressed for clarity may re- site. Time and content limits didn’t permit the in- spond with October, when a more precise clusion of many statements I thought were fitting to reply is called for may give a rough guess celebrate our 35th Anniversary, so I encourage all as to Thursday, and when demanded of us of you to peruse these newsletters, as there’s an may look the fellow in the eye and ask to amazing amount of helpful and thoughtful advice see his watch,” (emphasis added). (Volume that has been contributed over the past 20 years of 8, Number 4, October November Decem- publication. A column on Colonial New England ber 2007, page 36). [Perhaps it’s time for a from John Putnam also debuts in this newsletter. W.I.S.E. “basket throwing” party!] Mary Larson

www.wise-fhs.org W.I.S.E. Words 53 October, November, December 2018

W.I.S.E. Is 35—What Will the Next 35 Years Bring? Andrew Society's Highland Games and has Continued from Page 50 grown to include all regions in British Isles research. W.I.S.E. has been host to several After the 1982 St. Andrew Society stellar lecturers and . . . Rudy Ramsey, our Highland Games, it was decided that there own member, left us speechless when he was a need for a Scottish Highland Clan sang lovely songs for us. He never study group. This is the beginning of what mentioned that he was the winner of the is today known as W.I.S.E. It was Royal National Mod, Scotland's premier advertised in the Columbine and CGS Gaelic festival. Oh the talent that percolates newsletters, and was expanded into a around here! Scottish, Scots-Irish, and Irish study group with the first meeting on April 30, 1983,” Like a good title from the nobility, W.I.S.E. [later known as] ‘The Gaels.’ fell dormant from about 1992 until the spring of 1998. There was money in the “Not until May 1988 did the English bank but nobody at home. The Denver researchers rear their head. The first Public Library moved into its current meeting of the English study group was building in March 1995, and many people called by George Forby, and it soon continued to be interested in pursuing their became apparent that there could be British Isles family history there. Donna J. strength in numbers. The English study Porter, Ann Lisa Pearson, Paul Kilburn, group suggested that as most people with George Forby, Betty Brown, Sharon British Isles ancestors were likely to have Boatright, Terry Quirke and James Jeffrey Welsh as well as English, Scottish, Irish, or began meeting in April 1998. Former even Scots-Irish ancestors that it made leaders of W.I.S.E., namely Forby as sense to merge. The Scots-Irish research chairman, Porter as treasurer, plus Pearson group under the leadership of Isabella and Brown were essential to the success of Hopkins continued on until August 1989. W.I.S.E.'s rebirth. Brown was the local Hopkins relented and the British Isles expert on Wales and was active in the group was born. Colorado Welsh Society. Boatright had The W.I.S.E. acronym, as the name of our been education coordinator for CGS and group, first appeared in print in the January was a past president. Quirke was known to 1990 CGS Newsletter, . . . [although the ex- be potty about things Irish, and Kilburn was act person who came up with ‘W.I.S.E.’ known for his skills as a British Isles isn’t known]. Why an interest in British researcher. As ever, Jeffrey was honest Isles research? In 1980, Columbine about wanting to build his skills in British Genealogical and Historical Society Isles research. The group met monthly with through the energy of Ann Lisa Pearson everyone having assignments. The first and Betty Robertson Kaufman held a most meeting was to be in September 1998, after successful British research seminar. The we had made our resurgence known, and Society of Genealogists presented a what occurred sent us all scrambling. fascinating seminar featuring Anthony Boulder Genealogical Society [had] been Camp, Stella Colwell, FSG, Patric contacted by a British lecturer who would Laurence Dickinson and Elizabeth be vacationing in the area and wanted to set Simpson, FSG. . . . Following on the heels up a few lectures, and W.I.S.E. stepped in. of this successful seminar was Denver 84, We got a kick start with the appearance of the Federation of Genealogical Societies Rod Neep on August 7, 1998. Neep was a national conference. These two events terrific lecturer from Gloucestershire who prepared the ground for our formation. not only informed but entertained us. W.I.S.E. was off and running. . . . W.I.S.E. began as an ethnic study group at the library, has been active at the St. Many of our members have been inspired to research and publish their family

www.wise-fhs.org W.I.S.E. Words 54 October, November, December 2018

histories and genealogies. As an Membership Report organization, I see growth and outreach as our greatest accomplishment. From a study We welcome those who joined the W.I.S.E. Family group at the Denver Public Library created History Society recently: to generate foot traffic into the genealogy collection, W.I.S.E. has matured into a July: Kathryn Anderson Alvestad, Barbara Groth, healthy family history society.” (W.I.S.E. Jeannie Mitchell Words, Volume 9, Number 4, October No- August: Arthur Aughey, Robert W. Hull, Jean vember December 2008). Johnson, Tom Scanlan, Barbara Smith, Jeanie James’ article sets forth the early history of Smith, Louise Treff-Gangler. W.I.S.E., but there are many other accomplish- Welcome to W.I.S.E.! ments to be celebrated. Ann Lisa Pearson, former W.I.S.E. President, also served as President of the International Society for British Genealogy and New England Musings: Family History and founded the British Institute, a The Pilgrims well-known weeklong course of study in Salt Lake —John E. Putnam City. “Former W.I.S.E. President Duane Woodard . As you may remember, I presented to your group . . was twice elected as Colorado’s attorney general, almost two years ago a program on New England serving from 1983 to 1991” (Volume 10, Number as well as a follow-up presentation in early 2017 on 2, April May June 2009, page 18). 17th century genealogy issues with Colonial Amer- Those are major accomplishments, but only two ex- icans and their ancestral homelands of Wales, Ire- amples. W.I.S.E. has become the thriving society land, Scotland, and England. I am sure this column that it is because of the breadth of talent that exists will reach other folks than those that I met at these across our entire membership. What will the next two presentations and am looking forward to get- 35 years bring? Will we see genealogy societies ting to know other members who may or may not continue to thrive because people can now contrib- have New England roots. Per James Jeffrey’s re- ute their time and talent remotely? Or perhaps our quest, my columns will focus on early New Eng- time and energy will be spent energetically and vo- land genealogical and historical research and, ciferously demanding that records housed at such occasionally, stray into early 17th and 18th Century facilities as the Denver Public Library and other Colonial America. Even though your “peeps” may major archives be preserved? Only time will tell. In not have lived in this region or time, I am hopeful the meantime, I’ll continue to enjoy the camarade- that some of the topics will help you to better un- rie and “spirited” motivation that our meetings pro- derstand one of the “hearth” regions of our coun- vide. try’s history as I am guessing you studied the Pilgrims, Puritans, Salem Witchcraft Trials, Amer- ican Revolution, etc., in your educational experi- Treasurer’s Report ence at some point. (August 2018) For me, this region is my ancestral homeland. I was —Bruce Haefner born and raised in Western Massachusetts, attended Checking & savings balance as the University of Massachusetts Amherst majoring of 31 May 2018 $4,458.87 in political science and minoring in history. My parents and grandparents exposed me to the history and Petty Cash 50.00 geography of not only the lower Connecticut River Cash Balance $4,508.87 Valley where I grew up but also the rich history of Deposits Cleared 2,105.86 the Salem, Massachusetts area where my ancestral Checks/Debits Cleared (1,061.35) Putnams settled and lived for 11 generations until I Cash Balance as of 31 August $5,553.38  was born in Springfield, Massachusetts. I had some exposure to Plymouth history in my earlier years, but it has become more focused in the past twenty

www.wise-fhs.org W.I.S.E. Words 55 October, November, December 2018 years as my genealogical pursuits documented a This book also reinforces the continual struggles strong matrilineal connection from southeast Mas- that the Pilgrims and the Plymouth Colony faced sachusetts. Even my Ancestry DNA proves that I from the time of leaving Scrooby, England, until the am a New England Founder Native Son. As I have eventual consolidation of Plymouth with Massa- aged, I have discovered that there is so much more chusetts in 1692. to learn about this little corner of our country that I Without giving away the many insights in this am also always finding new insights into the area, book, I would like to highlight my top five: which adds additional insights into my genealogical research. I hate to admit it, but some of the past in- 1. While the Pilgrims are usually portrayed as formation was either incomplete or wrong. Because religious dissidents, some, especially William I have so many ancestors from one area (11 gener- Brewster and Edward Winslow, had many con- ations—you do the math), I am finding more and nections in the English aristocracy in the early more that history combines with genealogy. 17th century. These connections were crucial in organizing and funding the Plymouth colony at As always, it is hard to know where to start on such its onset and would prove helpful in keeping it a large subject. Recognizing we are two years away afloat throughout its existence. from the 400th anniversary of the Pilgrims arriving in Plymouth, I thought that I might start with a 2. Edward Winslow is seen as an important Plymouth topic as many genealogical groups in- diplomatic figure not only with the Native cluding the New England Historical and Genealog- Americans but also with various groups in Eng- ical Society (NEGHS) are ramping up for that lish society. As many diplomats do, he travelled event. It is amazing to see all the events in the pipe- frequently to England to represent and make line to celebrate this event and to make available deals with not only the English government but even more documents and research on this time-pe- also Dutch and other European governments. riod. If you have Mayflower ancestors, you might 3. Although I had read about the Pilgrim fur want to check out http://mayflower.americanances- enterprises in the Penobscot area (present day tors.org or ‘like’ the Plymouth Colony Massachu- Maine), the author’s documentation on its im- setts Genealogy 1620-1775 Facebook group to stay portance in paying off the creditors is very well tuned to not only the ever-changing events but also documented. This area was very remote wilder- folks researching the same area. Also, you need to ness surrounded by Native Americans, yet they prepare for a steady diet of new books. succeeded in making a successful enterprise of I am going to review in the remainder of this article their fur trading post while maintaining peace- a recent book that I read which I strongly recom- ful relationships with their neighbors. mend to anyone interested in the Pilgrims: The 4. Largely due to Winslow, the Pilgrims were Mayflower: The Families, the Voyage, and the able to keep the peace with their Wampanoag Founding of America, by Rebecca Fraser, 2017. neighbors too for many years. When they were You might ask yourself … “Gee, John, how much young and vulnerable, this relationship pro- more can you learn about your Pilgrim Ancestors.” vided an important security blanket for this in- (William Bradford, Myles Standish, John Howland, fant colony from its founding until the outbreak Francis Cooke, Edward Doty)?” My answer: a lot. of King Philip’s War. Why? because there is so much mythology built around the Pilgrims that their humanity and strug- 5. As most New Englanders will tell you, gles are often overlooked. King Philip’s War was a very deadly war (in terms of percentage of casualties) in American What I found especially refreshing about this book history. It started and was largely fought in was that it was an easy read, written by an English Plymouth colony. This book documents the author, and she used many genealogy tools to make long-term negative economic consequences of her case. While Ms. Fraser’s key character was Ed- this war on Plymouth, from which it never reward Winslow, the small size of the Pilgrim com- covered and ultimately led to the merger with munity makes it likely that your Mayflower Massachusetts. relatives are going to be mentioned at some point.

www.wise-fhs.org W.I.S.E. Words 56 October, November, December 2018

As you can probably tell, I really found this book The latest episode is about DNA and adoption. very helpful in explaining the historical era of my 3. The Genealogy Happy Hour early Pilgrim ancestors. I highly recommend it to all of you who have Pilgrim ancestors—and to any https://genealogyhappyhour.com/podcasts/ readers who like a good history read. This week’s episode discusses how to improve As I like to do with any article, I am always inter- your research by using your ancestor’s siblings ested in your ideas for future articles, comments on and other family members. These two podcast- this article, and/or connecting with distant cousins. ers also like to bring wine into every podcast. The best way to reach me is by email: jeput- How droll. [email protected]. 4. Extreme Genes https://extremegenes.com/ Tech Talk —Sandra Keifer-Roberts The latest episode is an interview with Thomas Edison’s great-grandson, who tells some inter- I’m a teacher, and during my summer vacation, I esting family stories. took two road trips and painted my house—two fairly mindless activities that gave me plenty of 5. The BBC’s Tracing Your Roots time to listen to some excellent podcasts. In fact, it https://www.bbc.co.uk/pro- wasn't long before I was listening to podcasts while grammes/b006zbxm/episodes/downloads I was simply washing the dishes or working in the yard. This podcast is a few years old, but it’s quite interesting! “Podcasts aren’t a bubble; they’re a boom—and that boom is only getting louder.” – Miranda 6. The History of England Katz, Wired Magazine https://thehistoryofengland.co.uk/podcasts/his- Q: How do you listen to a podcast? tory-of-england/ A: You can listen to a podcast directly on your In a word, “love!” The presenter, David computer. Just go to any of the URLs below. Crowther, is informative, entertaining, insight- There’s another option, too. Instead of using my ful, and of course, very British. computer, I downloaded the “Podcast app” from the 7. The Scottish History Podcast Apple Store directly on my iPhone. It was free, and I’m sure Android has a similar app. After down- https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-scottish- loading, I searched for the name of the podcast I history-podcast was looking for, such as "Family Tree Magazine." The content is a little nerdy; the young hosts, an It was extremely easy to find all of the podcasts be- American and a Scot, talk about everything low—and more! from castles to tobacco merchants to the life of Here are some of the best and most up-to-date ge- Adam Smith, but I enjoyed all the details. The nealogy and history podcasts I've found so far: episode on tobacco trade between Scotland and the American colonies in the 1700s gave me a 1. Genealogy Gems deeper understanding of my Virginia ancestors’ http://genealogygemspodcast.com/episode-220 complex business dealings. In my opinion, the first episode is a bit awkward, but the rest are Note that the latest episode includes Diane more relaxed and easier to listen to. Southard, who presented a DNA seminar for CGS last April. How exciting! The website in- 8. The Genealogy Guys cludes PDF files with additional information. http://genealogyguys.com/ 2. Family Tree Magazine The latest episode is a run-down of all of the https://www.familytreemagazine.com/pod- new collections available on Family Search and casts/

www.wise-fhs.org W.I.S.E. Words 57 October, November, December 2018

My Heritage. It's a bit dry, but you can listen room in their original form—as well as digitized da- while you're bathing the dog. tabases. I found some of these sites on Cyndi's List, and I The archives director, Ellen Crain, has been named Googled for others. A new article in Family Tree one of six Montanans who will receive the gover- magazine lists many of these podcasts and more: nor’s Humanities Award for 2019. She’ll be cited https://www.familytreemagazine.com/pre- for making the archives an “internationally recog- mium/genealogy-podcasts/ nized formidable compendium of Butte’s une- qualed history,” according to an article in the What are your favorite podcasts? Montana Standard of 24 June 2018. She, her pro- fessional staff, and volunteers were exceedingly Butte, Montana, Richer than Ever helpful when I visited for two days in June. I gave —Zoe von Ende Lappin them topics and individuals I was interested in— prize fighting in Butte, the Socialist Party in Mon- “Now don’t forget, Lizzie, when you get to the new tana, my great-uncle—and the staff brought me pa- world, don’t stop in America. You go straight to per files on each as well as direction to digitized Butte, Montana.” Mary Hagan – Etching on exte- files. I especially appreciated the freedom to browse rior wall of the Butte-Silver Bow Public Archives. original naturalization records and newspapers. Butte, Montana, is known for its copper mines, the Known historically as the Richest Hill on Earth, Anaconda company, radical unions and politics of Butte these days matches its nickname with this ar- years gone by, as well as a huge historic population chive that offers rich deposits of historic docu- of immigrant Irish. Now, it offers a research center ments. Those 1,200 Irish who made up 25 percent that W.I.S.E. members would like. of the Silver Bow County population, both workers It’s the Butte-Silver Bow Public Archives, a pub- and managers, in 1900 and later are still keeping the licly supported facility in downtown Butte that’s old place fascinating. free, open to the public and boasts voluminous orig- The lasting connection between Ireland and Butte inal records as well as manuscripts, photographs was celebrated in 2006 with the visit of the presi- and newspapers—many bound and in the reading dent of the Republic of Ireland, Mary McAleese. A plaque commemorating the event is on display in the reading room. It’s in both English and Irish and reads: “This plaque was unveiled by The President of Ireland, Mary McAleese, on the occasion of her visit to Butte on 17 May 2006 in recognition of the enduring ties between Ireland and Butte, Montana.” Another Irish woman Mary Hagan, who is quoted above, was the great-grandmother of daredevil Evel Knievel. Her daughter, Lizzie, was headed for Butte from Ireland. The archives website is http://www.buttear- chives.org, and David M. Emmons’ book, The Butte Irish, 1989, is a good place to start. It’s schol- arly, but browsing is worthwhile. Do You Have the Time? At the December meeting we will be voting on both the Vice President and Treasurer positions. While both Sandy Ronayne and Bruce Haefner have Zoe Lappin with original Records agreed to stand for election and serve another two years, they will both be term-limited. Therefore,

www.wise-fhs.org W.I.S.E. Words 58 October, November, December 2018 we’ll need to identify members to succeed them. • Family Reunions: Plan for a Great Time - We’re also trying in the very near future to locate a James Jeffrey member who can succeed Jo Sempeck as Member • Language and Dialect in Great Britain - Surnames of Interest (MSI) Coordinator, and a mar- Sylvia Tracy-Doolos - keting person to help with the sale of W.I.S.E. mer- • Lineage Societies - Sandy Carter-Duff chandise at the meetings. Members with WordPress • Mayflower Society - Sandy Johansen experience who can contribute to maintaining the • Military records and making books online website are also welcome. If you have the time and - Sandy Ronayne talent, please let us know. You can reach Sylvia • Passage of the Transportation Act of 1718 Tracy-Doolos at [email protected]. and the Waltham Black Act in 1723 - Lola Stretesky June Program • W.I.S.E. Words – Sandra Keifer-Roberts —Mary Larson & Mary Larson Greg Liverman, Ph.D., (one of W.I.S.E.’s favorite If you liked the format and would like to see this presenters) was the speaker at the 23 June 2018 again, please email Sylvia Tracy-Doolos at presi- meeting, discussing a relative newcomer to the [email protected]. DNA testing scene, Living DNA, which launched in September 2016. Living DNA is based in the United Kingdom and has 21 reference groups in Denver Architecture Walking Tour Britain and Ireland, making this DNA test a topic of of Capitol Hill intense interest for W.I.S.E. members. Many had al- —Randi Samuelson-Brown ready received their results from a recent Living One of the fabulous things about Denver is the wide DNA test, and one member was gracious enough to variety of architectural styles, and the walking tour pass around a hard copy example of the printed hosted by History Colorado was informative and book that is available with this test. Greg’s humor- well done! The tour started out at the esteemed ous anecdotes were interspersed with frequent Molly Brown House. (Insider joke—W.I.S.E. is not lively discussions, as W.I.S.E. members thoroughly a book club. But you’d have to ask someone who enjoyed his presentation. was on the tour about that.) Anyhow, Molly was really known in Denver as “Margaret”, but Disney August Program labeled her “The Unsinkable Molly Brown,” and —Mary Larson the moniker stuck. From there the tour went to various other buildings such as the Capital Hill Man- W.I.S.E. members shared their talents and interests at the August meeting, with a total of nine tables where members chatted and learned about new things. W.I.S.E. member Sandy Breed provided feedback, “It was obvious that each person hosting a table was passionate and knowledgeable about their topic! I left feeling empowered to create a family history book, organize another family reun- ion and excited to read a book taking place in historic Denver brothels! There was something of interest for everyone.” The following topics were presented: W.I.S.E. Field Trip (photo by Bruce Haefner) • Channel Islands: Britain’s “Peculiars” - Jeryl Voegtly sion Bed and Breakfast Inn where we got to go • Colorado History – Randi Samuelson inside, the Pemborough, the Croke-Patterson, the Brown, author of The Beaten Territory Sheeley House, and Poet’s Row. Surprisingly, Buf- falo Bill’s Wild West Show used to be staged next

www.wise-fhs.org W.I.S.E. Words 59 October, November, December 2018 to Poet’s Row—obviously when it was an empty weekend, so the Festival was a success for W.I.S.E. field. Then we progressed to the only house in Den- as well. ver built entirely of wood, the Colburn and more. We saw Queen Annes, Victorians, Denver Squares, Art Moderne, Art Deco, Spanish Colonial, French Chateau, Craftsman and various other styles. Addi- tionally, discussions were held about the difficulty certain materials face with the freeze/thaw cycles for which Denver is famous. As with people and families, each of the buildings has its own history, and the mansions were a veri- table “who’s who” of Denver Society. One particularly fascinating aspect of social history was Poets Row. Those apartments were built with the idea of providing reasonably priced and suitable accommo- Bruce Haefner and Basil Carpenter at the W.I.S.E. Booth dation for single people moving into Denver during I coordinated the W.I.S.E. presence at the Festival the 1929 onwards. Built in 1929 by architect and would like to express appreciation to the Charles D. Strong, each building was named for a W.I.S.E. members who volunteered their time and poet—the prerequisite being that the poets were effort: Basil Carpenter, Nancy Craig, Bill Hughes, also abolitionists. Mary Larson, Marilyn Pomponio and Thyria Wil- son. And thanks to other W.I.S.E. members who Did you know that Denver had electric cars that stopped by to say “hello!” were stored in the garage at 13th and Pennsylvania? It seems that everything old is new again and vice versa. Or something like that. Regardless, the com- Oh, Canada! pany was convivial, and the content of the walk was —Nancy Craig fascinating. Throughout 2016, I used several research facilities Hope to see everyone at the next field trip! in Canada working on the question “WHY, WHEN, and WHERE did our Wiggins family live in Can- ada?” I planned a full day while in Ottawa to be at Colorado Scottish Festival the Library and Archives Canada. After walking —Bruce Haefner through a “car wash” of wind-driven rain from my The Colorado Scottish Festival and Rocky Moun- hotel to the government buildings area (of course tain Highland Games returned to the Denver area in the library was farthest from the hotel!), when I ar- 2018, after having been located in Snowmass, Col- rived at the Library there was an interview and con- orado, the past three years. The event was held at firmation of my credentials (Colorado driver's Citizens Park in Edgewater Saturday and Sunday, license plus U.S. passport) before I was allowed ac- 4-5 August 2018. Volunteers from W.I.S.E. Family cess to the very cold research rooms. Our family History Society used our brand-new tent to display story says that ancestors John and Betsey Drew maps and books and offer help with genealogical (Stevenson) Wiggins left the U.S. about 1847 after research to festival-goers. their daughter Orphia was born in/near Barton, Or- The Festival was a great success for the Saint An- leans County, Vermont 24 July 1845, and the fam- drew Society of Colorado, with participation far ily “moved to Canada.” There, four children (James surpassing what was expected. There were 68 clan Monroe, Samuel Alexander, Lydia Amanda, and tents in addition to the W.I.S.E. tent, as well as ven- John Quincy Adams) were supposedly born in/near dors offering food, crafts and other wares. W.I.S.E. Hillsborough, Albert County, New Brunswick. held a raffle, with over 50 tickets submitted; prizes During that day of Ottawa research, I found nothing included two Ancestry DNA kits and two subscrip- to substantiate that idea in their four dozen books tions each to Ancestry, Fold3 and Newspapers.com. about New Brunswick (two bottom shelves in the We also welcomed two new members over the cabinet by me).

www.wise-fhs.org W.I.S.E. Words 60 October, November, December 2018

I had also allowed three research days the following Steeves [sic] family of that village. [Note: You may week at the Provincial Archives of New Brunswick not know that travel journalist Rick Steves was in the capital city of Fredericton (an entire building adopted by one of the west coast Steves families.] of materials for that province). Again, I found noth- In the definitive Steeves family history books and ing useful about our Wiggins family! I was increas- other resources in the museum, there is passing ref- ingly frustrated, until the Archivist used the erence to Lydia only because she married Johna- Canadian version of Ancestry to retrieve the 1860 than; and that one sentence does not tell where she U.S. Census, which reported that these four chil- was born. Thus, I think that Johnathan's birthplace dren were born “in Canada.” In that era, “Canada” of Hillsborough, Albert County, New Brunswick meant Ontario or Quebec, not New Brunswick. got “cross-pollinated” onto her, and subsequently to New Brunswick was a completely separate political her three brothers James, Sam, and John Q. A. Wig- entity and would have been stated specifically as gins. such for their birthplace. It was not until the 1867 At the Steeves museum, I met a retired Methodist Confederation that the term “Canada” came to minister who brought some church records for re- mean the entire sweep of land from coast-to-coast view. There were no birth or baptism entries for any north of America that we now call Canada. (Aside: Wiggins babies in the 1847-1854 time period. But In the 1900 U.S. Census, John Q. A. Wiggins re- he and I did end-up having a cuppa (tea). Our photo ported that he was born in “Canada E”, where Can- and the following write-up were on the ada E(ast) meant Quebec, referring to the English- https://www.facebook.com/pg/SteevesHouseMu- speaking portion of southern Quebec, whereas Can- seum/photos web page for a while: ada W(est) meant Ontario.) The New Brunswick archivist had me look carefully on a large current “Fellow Travelers, Alphabetically Colo- map of northern New England and Eastern Canada. rado and Canada are close together. How- He said it would have made more sense for my ever, as the crow flies, they are a long way Wiggins to have gone directly north from Vermont apart. Nancy Craig managed the tricky (they lived almost to the border in that state) to one overland navigation from her home to us. of the English-speaking areas of Southern Quebec. Once in Hillsborough she accepted our help Moving way east to New Brunswick was unlikely. in finding her way from Johnathan Steeves The Archivist stated that not all citizens of Quebec (1853-1924) and his wife Lydia (Wiggins) were of French ancestry, spoke French, or were all the way into the present day. When we Catholic. There were English-speaking, British got to the end of that avenue of research, Isles ancestry, Protestant families there as well. In- Nancy went and got all churchy on us. Be- deed, village names directly north of Vermont look ing out of our depth, we called in our neigh- like one is in England, whereas village names fur- bor Rev. Roland Hutchinson. Nancy and ther east definitely bring to mind France. This Roland are pictured above. What they dis- opened up a new search strategy for me, eh?! cussed is just between them and the guy upstairs, however, they did seem to enjoy On a rainy Monday morning, I drove into a cluster each other’s company. It has been said that of buildings that are the Hillsborough, New Bruns- it takes a village to raise a child. In Nancy’s wick, city offices, library, and museum where I case and with Roland’s help we discovered hoped to find information. The man who had the that it sometimes takes a village to unravel only keys to the library and museum was nowhere a person’s genealogy. Once she had re- to be found and not answering his phone I learned newed her Steeves Family connections and when I interrupted a city council meeting. One of received Rev. Hutchinson’s blessing, the council women suggested I go across the street Nancy was off to Halifax where her family to the Steeves House Museum. This made sense, research will continue.” because Lydia Amanda Wiggins had married Johnathan Steeves in 1876 when these young peo- After a few days of sightseeing, I went to the Nova ple found each other in Redwood County, Minne- Scotia Archives in Halifax, and the following day sota. Johnathan “Steves” [sic] had been born in to the Halifax Public Library. I did not anticipate Hillsborough and was a member of the noted finding much about New Brunswick in Nova Scotia

www.wise-fhs.org W.I.S.E. Words 61 October, November, December 2018 which proved true. But I did have a bowl of won- Hillsborough, New Brunswick, to tap into local derful seafood chowder at a restaurant overlooking sources to dispel erroneous information about my the harbor! great-grandfather Sam Wiggins and three of his siblings. Lots of time and money were spent to learn A second trip to Canada was planned for late sum- that! But what beautiful scenery in The Maritimes! mer of 2016. It is our narrative that the family left Oh, and I now need a trip to Quebec for “the rest of the wooded lands of New England and eastern Can- the story.” Mais oui! ada to move “Out West to Winnipeg.” This move may have happened in 1854, with John Q. A. born 3 September 1855/6. However, as noted above, Lughnasadh or First Harvest there is conflicting information about John Q. A.'s —Carolyn Elliott birthplace; in some U.S. censuses and his obituary, it says he was born in Canada E, others say Mani- As the warmth of the summer, and the first-harvest toba, others just Canada. Winnipeg and Manitoba season surround us, looking to our ancient Celtic were very sparsely populated places in the 1850s. ancestors gives us greater understanding of the im- Travel to Manitoba from the east (whether across pact of this fruitful gathering. Canada and/or the U.S.) would have been an ex- Lughnasadh (loo’-na-sa) is also called First Har- tremely arduous journey, especially with a family vest, in celebration of the sun god Lugh (Loo) in of five to six small children. Did they go overland what is known today as northwestern Europe, par- entirely, or was some of the trip via the Great ticularly in Wales, Ireland, Scotland, Cornwall, and Lakes? There are journals and books written by the Isle of Man. The name derives from Lugh, the people who traveled those varied routes, but again sun god, and “nasadh,” meaning “assembly” or there is no data about our Wiggins family in early “gathering” in Gaelic. Lugh was an Irish sun god Winnipeg's history, nor did they leave any written from about 3,500 years ago, a time in which meteor history. showers befell Earth, and frightened the ancient By the 1860 U.S. Census, the family was in Celts into believing they needed to shift their wor- Mauston, Juneau County, Wisconsin. A decade ship from Mother Earth to a sky god, Lugh in this later (1870), they were in Stark Township, Brown case. Consequently, the people give great thanks to County, Minnesota. One more decade later (1880), Sun God Lugh for the first harvest and the assur- they landed in Walnut Grove, Redwood County, ance of food. Minnesota. Yes, this is the town made famous by However, even though this is a celebration of the TV series “Little House on the Prairie,” about Lugh’s blessings of harvest, his foster mother Tail- Laura Ingalls Wilder and her family. Again, we tiu (Tale’-tee-ew), an Irish Earth goddess, was well wonder WHY John and Betsey kept on the move. associated with agriculture, the land, and the har- Was it for the same reasons that Charles “Pa” vest. This relationship tied Lugh to the harvest. Ingalls and his family moved incessantly: the lure Still, during this first harvest celebration, the people of wide-open spaces, land to be claimed, and honor and celebrate the harvest deity, the Green chances for new beginnings? My great-great-grand- Man, who is also known as John Barleycorn! Each parents John and Betsey Wiggins are buried in the year, he sacrifices himself (the grain) in order for Walnut Grove cemetery, as are most of their chil- human life to live. Some communities include dren and spouses, except for Lydia and Johnathan wreaths of flowers, particularly of poppies or corn- Steves, who abandoned Minnesota winters to be- flowers, to symbolize his great sacrifice. come fruit growers in southern California. Nonetheless, Lughnasadh marks the beginning of I now have library cards from seven venues: Na- the descent of the sun into the darkness of eventual tional Library of Canada, New Brunswick Provin- winter; from the sacred marriage of the Sun God cial Archives, Nova Scotia Provincial Archives, and Earth Mother at Beltane (early May), the peo- Halifax Public Library, Calgary Public Library, ple gratefully harvest the first fruits of that relation- Manitoba Provincial Archives, and Winnipeg Pub- ship in preparation for winter. lic Library. They fill a page in my scrapbook! The upshot from my Canadian research is: I had to be in

www.wise-fhs.org W.I.S.E. Words 62 October, November, December 2018

Consequently, a ritual first cutting of the grain, and may have merely moved to a different area to work a ritual meal mark the celebration, as well as a set- for a different employer. ting aside of a sufficiency of seeds for planting the Many couples may have also entered into handfast- next spring to create new life again. In addition, the ing arrangements at the fair. Courts also used these people organize to gather herbs for medicinal and quarter days, and the Term and Quarter Days (Scot- food-seasoning purposes to last through until this land) Act 1990, “An Act to regulate, in relation to time next year. The people give deep thanks to, and Scotland, the dates of Whitsunday, Martinmas, for, Great Earth Mother Danu, creator of gods, god- Candlemas and Lammas; and for connected pur- desses, and people, as well as to Lugh, who is the poses,” established 28 August as the official date patron of scholars, crafts folk, warriors, and magi- for Lammas (see http://www.legislation.gov. cians. uk/ukpga/1990/22/section/1). Within Christendom, however, the practitioners re- Sources Consulted: formed the celebration into “Lammas,” from An- glo-Saxon of “first loaf,” which is consecrated by The Order of Bards, Ovates, and Druids, Deeper Into the priest. As early as 921 CE (common era), the Lugnasadh, by Eilthireach (http://www.druidry.org/ celebration is noted as the “Feast of the First druid-way/teaching-and-practice/druid-festivals/lughna Fruits,” according to Anglo-Saxon accounts. In- sadh/deeper-lughnasadh : accessed 12 August 2018). This on-line site, is a worldwide organization founded in deed, giving thanks to the Divine for the first har- Britain over 50 years ago by the historian and poet Ross vest would be a normal thing to do. In addition, Nichols, and by writer and founder of the Tolkien Soci- early Christians created St. Bartholomew’s day on ety, Vera Chapman. Fellow members of the Ancient August 24th, also to celebrate the beginning of fall Druid Order, which began in the early 20th century, fol- in what is now northwestern Europe. lowing along with the druidic revival, which began some 300 years ago, assisted Nichols and Chapman. The Order Nevertheless, this is a good time to contemplate of Bards dedicates itself to “…practising, teaching, and sacrifice and transformation, death and rebirth. developing Druidry as a valuable and inspiring spiritual- Since this is the first harvest of what we have sown ity.” in the spring at Beltane, we can contemplate what things or projects we are reaping in ourselves now, Blumberg, Antonia, “8 Facts To Know About Lugh- nasadh, Pagan Harvest Festival, HuffPost, Religion, 29 as well as what projects we want to finish, and what July 2016, (https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/8- ones we want to start anew. We can contemplate facts-to-know-about-lughnasadh-pagan-harvest-festi- what preparation is required of the things we wish val_us_579a832ee4b08a8e8b5d6134 : accessed 12 Au- to harvest in due time. gust 2018). In any event, it is a time of deep gratitude for the Durie, Bruce, Understanding Documents for Genealogy foods we eat, relishing the taste of every morsel that & Local History, (Stroud, Gloucestershire, The History Sun God Lugh and Earth Mother have provided for Press, 2013), 88. us, despite our likely distance from the actual har- Adolph, Anthony, Tracing Your Scottish Family History, vest. We can be grateful for the sunshine, rain, and (Buffalo, New York, Firefly Books (U.S.), Inc., 2009), good soil savored in every bite, as we celebrate with 65. our ancient ancestors and with those living today in Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Isle of Man, and Corn- wall. Edward I – Longshanks, Founding Editor’s Note: Lughnasadh was also an important Father of the United Kingdom, hiring day for farm workers. So, if you run into a Part II brick wall in your genealogy research where an an- —Mark Wells cestor seems to “disappear” one Autumn, particu- Part I of the rule of Edward I covered his rise to the larly one who might have been working as a throne, his desire to restore the country’s position servant, you might want to check the local newspa- of strength, and his own personal suffering by the pers for articles about hiring fairs, or broaden your loss of the love of his life, Queen Eleanor (Volume geographical search area. Chances are he or she 19, Issue Number 1, January February March 2018,

www.wise-fhs.org W.I.S.E. Words 63 October, November, December 2018

12-14). In actuality, the stage was set for the direc- During his entire reign, Edward had earned great tion of his reign from the very day of his coronation. respect from his subjects in England. Very popular According to the Hagnaby Chronicle, when Arch- amongst them was Edward’s war against the Scots. bishop Kilwardby placed the crown on his head on In March 1296, in a coup against their English over- 19 August 1274, Edward immediately removed it, lord King Edward, the Scots began conducting raids saying that he would not wear it again until he had of English lands. In response the king led his army recovered all the lands his father had lost. to besiege “Berwick-upon-Tweed.” When those behind the town’s walls refused Edward’s demands Our last article ended with the death of Eleanor. She for surrender, the King’s anger, according to one became unwell prior to arriving in Lincoln while chronicler, “was like that of a wild boar, pursued by making a pilgrimage to the tomb of Hugh of Lin- dogs.” Edward made serious preparations to coln at the Palace of Clipstone, in Nottinghamshire. strengthen his war machine. For example, he had It is thought that her illness may have been due to the largest trebuchet catapult in history constructed weakened lungs. Nevertheless, she died a few miles and used against the wall of Berwick. This device away at Harby on 28 November 1290 while being was so large that it required thirty wagons to attended by Bishop Oliver Sutton of Lincoln. transport the disassembled structure. The King directed that Eleanor’s body be carried to Berwick fell, and Edward allowed the complete Westminster in a royal procession for a ceremonial slaughter of the town’s male population. “Bodies burial. Edward buried Eleanor in a beautifully fell like autumn leaves,” records another witness. adorned tomb beside his father. The royal party had They were dumped down wells and tipped into the made twelve stops along the journey from Lincoln sea. It is thought that perhaps up to 11,000 rebels to Westminster, and shortly after the burial Edward were killed for this show of defiance to the English ordered that a memorial cross be erected at every crown. Edward quickly marched further north one of the twelve resting places. The purpose of through Scotland. Several Scottish fortifications these crosses (shrines) was to serve as a reminder fell to King Edward. Dunbar was sacked, followed for all subjects to say a prayer for the soul of the by Edinburgh and Stirling Castles, thus ending the "Queen of Good Memory," as Eleanor was called. coup. A contemporary noted the following: “The King commissioned his Master Mason to provide a basic The Scottish King was captured and then publicly design for the 12 crosses. Each was to have a plinth humiliated by Edward. King Edward brought a lit- of steps and be built in three stages: the lowest tle souvenir with him to Westminster Abby: the adorned with the carved shields of Eleanor's her- Scottish sacred Stone of Scone, upon which, by tra- aldry—the arms of England, Ponthieu and Castile dition all Scottish monarchs in recorded history had & Leon. The second level was a platform to carry been crowned. Edward had a custom English coro- statues of the Queen; the highest would continue the nation throne constructed for himself and future column and be surmounted by a cross.” British monarchs to sit atop the sacred Scottish stone, and so another tradition was initiated by Ed- The King of Scotland, Alexander III, had died on ward I. From 1308 onwards—to this very day, in 19 March 1286 and the Scots struggled to determine fact—all English monarchs have been crowned on the rightful new monarch. Eventually it came down this throne, while sitting above this stone that the to two rival claimants, Robert Bruce and John Bal- Scots hold so dear. (NOTE: Recently Queen Eliza- liol. Scottish authorities asked Edward to arbitrate. beth II has returned the stone to Scotland). In 1292, Edward chose John Balliol as King because he thought Balliol’s weakness would prove But the Scots would not be tamed. And so next a him to be easily controlled. However, what Edward grassroots, guerilla campaign against the English did not expect was that it would be the Scottish no- began. This time the campaign was led by a dy- bles pulling their new King’s strings. Finally, when namic and charismatic leader, William Wallace, the Scots further rebelled from Edward and formed whom Hollywood motion picture producers have an alliance with France, Edward invaded, con- erroneously labeled Braveheart. (NOTE: Brave- quered Scotland and brought Scotland under a king- heart would actually have been the term for Robert dom which included England and Wales. the Bruce. For it was on his deathbed that Robert

www.wise-fhs.org W.I.S.E. Words 64 October, November, December 2018 whispered, “When I die you must cut my heart from King and powerful campaigner. Later the 16th cen- my body and take it on a crusade.”) tury Abbot, John Feckenham, had text added to the exterior. Today that same epitaph remains: “Ed- In the summer of 1297, Edward sent his army to wardus Primus Scotorum Malleus hic est 1308. deal with Wallace, the last son born to a low-level Pactum Serva” (Literally translated, “Here lies Ed- Scottish knight. However, the English were in for a ward, the Hammer of the Scots”). Perhaps John big surprise. Wallace was shocked as he noticed Feckenham might have more accurately written, that the English army were crossing, knights first, “Here lies the founding father of the United King- across the river on a very narrow wooden bridge at dom.” Stirling rather than crossing at a much wider river ford a mile away. He also observed the knights, According to Sandra Rimmer in “The corpses of 10 laden with heavy amour on horseback, arriving Kings and Queens of England exhumed centuries upon waterlogged marsh ground (where the horses after death,” in History—Ancient, Medieval & would struggle to move and fight). Wallace foresaw Modern, “Edward’s tomb was opened in 1774 by an ambush opportunity. He ordered his forces to de- the Society of Antiquaries with permission from the molish the bridge from underneath after only a por- Dean of Westminster. They found the body found tion of the knights had crossed and the foot soldiers wrapped in a strong linen cloth, waxed on the in- were yet to join them. They immediately slaugh- side, while the head and face were covered with a tered the English Knights who were atop their cloth of crimson sarsinet. The king was richly struggling mounts whilst the remaining English dressed in a red silk damask tunic with a stole of forces, across the river, retreated. In merely an hour, thick white tissue across his chest, set with filigree the English army was defeated and humiliated at gilt metal and semi-precious stones. Above these he Battle of Sterling Bridge. wore a royal mantle of rich crimson satin. From the waist downwards he was covered with a rich cloth The next time the forces met, on 22 July 1298, of figured gold. In his right hand was a sceptre with Longshanks once again personally led his forces. a cross of copper gilt. In his left hand was a rod Now fifty-nine years of age yet still strong enough around 5 feet long and a white enamel dove. On his to mount a horse in full armor, he rode into the thick head was a gilt metal crown . . ..” of battle. The formidable warrior King deployed his (https://www.abroadintheyard.com/corpses-kings- latest, new secret weapon—the Welsh Longbow. queens-england-exhumed/). These arrows were very deadly at a distance of over a quarter of a mile. The result was a hailstorm of England’s previous international dominance was English arrows which laid waste to the Scottish restored under Edward’s rule. England was back on forces. By the time the slaughter ended more than the path of reacquiring previously held territories, eight thousand Scots lay dead. Wallace fled the bat- regaining the respect of Europe, and reestablishing tlefield and fled his own army. Eventually, Wallace the rule of law, thus fulfilling the vow that he had was captured and turned in to the authorities for a made during his coronation and ensuring his place bounty reward. He was tried and found guilty of in history as one of the greatest rulers of England. treason. The sentence was death by a brutal execu- tion. A Welsh Film Star: However, King Edward endured yet more Scottish rebellions, which ultimately led to his death. During Richard Burton one of his campaigns against the Scots at the very —Nancy McCurdy old age (for the time) of sixty-eight, he contracted ‘Hey diddlee dee, an actor’s life for me!’ (Pinoc- dysentery and soon died on 13 July 1307. He was chio, 1940) laid to rest near his most beloved Queen Eleanor in Richard Burton, born Richard Walter Jenkins Jr. on Westminster Abby. However, his pitifully weak 10 November 1925, was a Welshman, born and son, Edward II, had him entombed in a simple, plain bred in a Welsh coal mining community with ter- Purbeck marble box with no adornments nor effigy. raced homes, Pontrhydyfen, Glamorgan, in the val- The church kept candles lit around his final resting ley of the River Afan. He was a descendant of place as a sign of respect to this brilliant English

www.wise-fhs.org W.I.S.E. Words 65 October, November, December 2018 generations of Welsh coal miners. The name Rich- native Welsh tongue. The bread at home would rise ard means Rule Hard. He grew up in a common by the grace of God. But even when Richard be- Welsh home with a coal-miner father and a strong- came a millionaire, he favored a native Welsh dish in-purpose mother. They lived in poverty typical of called collier’s caviar made from seaweed. It was many coal-mining families. Theirs was a stereotyp- meant to keep the Welsh from starving when food ical context of lack of enough money, inadequate was scarce. food, poor hygiene, poor medical care and poor liv- Sometimes Richard’s father would disappear for ing conditions. Coal dust was everywhere. The gray weeks at a time on a drinking binge and come home skies imitated the gray cast of everything on the air covered with chicken feathers having slept the night and on the ground, in the houses and streets. Yet in a chicken coop. It was said that he drank twelve their hearts and hearths could be warm. Richard pints a day. He would come home with praises for never forgot his humble beginnings, and later he his good children and those good children would said his bones were knit together with coal dust and tend to him if he was ill. his mother’s love. As adults, the girls worked in other homes, the Richard was the twelfth of thirteen children born to schools and the hospital; the boys were conditioned Richard Walter Jenkins and Edith Thomas. She was to work in the mines when they grew up—the hor- only 17 when she married the 24-year-old Jenkins, rible and dangerous underground coal mines where who was a storyteller and a drunkard, a miner since death was not unexpected from the unsafe condi- he was a young boy. They had met in a tavern where tions. Edith had worked as a barmaid. Both parents were the first in their families to become literate and to After Richard’s mother died, Richard was sent to sign the wedding certificate with their names in- the nearby home of an older sister who, with her stead of an X. husband, raised him. It was here that he learned to speak English. As a child, he was a born actor, en- His mother died at age 42 from an infection after tertaining his family and friends, standing on a chair giving birth to her thirteenth child. Richard was not and commanding attention with his fantastic tales quite two years old. Not all of the Jenkins children and bold manner. As an adult, he would stand on a lived to adulthood, which was common in those table in a pub and do the same, entertaining the days. It was a daily battle for survival and sanity, crowds with outrageous tales or speaking memo- just to put food on the table. The agony of the rized lines of Shakespeare. He flirted with girls, got shadow of death was mirrored by a new sunrise into fights, punching guys and smashing windows. filled with hope for a new day. Yet his mother kept He was a rough and tumble fellow who could also a tidy home and looked after her many children reach out to others to offer a helping hand. with care and generosity of spirit. Each sunrise filled each new day with hope, not with the shadow He passed his elementary exams well enough to go of death. on to more schooling while children who failed their exams had to drop out of school to find ap- There was always enough coal to light the fire, but prenticeships or work. A teacher, Phillip Burton, it was a small fire with not enough radiant heat to took special interest in Richard’s talents and taught warm the whole house despite its small size. The him the craft of acting. Richard eventually became upstairs bedrooms were icy cold in winter with ice a ward of Burton, took his last name and from then condensation on the windows. Later in life, Richard on was Richard Burton. vowed to never have to be cold as he was in his childhood. What did radiate through the house was Richard went on to Exeter College, Oxford, where the warmth of a community of like-minded folk he studied acting. He also joined the Royal Air who were held together like the stitching of a quilt Force. His college file reveals that he was a genius and the warmth of familial feelings. They picked who could become a great actor, was outstandingly through the remnants of their dignity daily. Edith, handsome and robust, masculine with deep inward the mother, worked all day cooking, cleaning, car- fire. His voice, known for its power and richness, ing for children, and she got everyone to church on would always be his most valuable tool. He would Sunday mornings where the Bible was read in the become one with his character and would steal the

www.wise-fhs.org W.I.S.E. Words 66 October, November, December 2018 scenes with his stage presence, his word-perfect The exodus from Scotland began in 1781 and right speaking, his blazing green eyes. He would go on away, Scots thrived in and contributed to the estab- to become one of the greatest Shakespearean actors lishment of the American nation. After the Civil of the time, rivaled by Olivier, Gielgud and Sco- War, in particular, they took to capitalism in a big field. way as owners, managers, workers and labor leaders: Think steelmaker Andrew Carnegie and Philip Richard worked hard and he played hard. He had Murray, president of the United Steelworkers of roles in numerous stage plays, movies and radio America and the Congress of Industrial Organiza- shows. He dreamed of being a writer and left behind tions (CIO). Politics, too, was a popular occupation, numerous diaries. He was married many times, had both among the immigrants and their descendants: many affairs and had children. He was twice mar- Think Andrew Jackson and other presidents down ried to Elizabeth Taylor who was the greatest love to Ronald Reagan. Lest his admiration for our Scots of his life. He once outbid Aristotle Onassis to buy be seen as “tartan jingoism,” Hewitson acknowl- a jewel for Elizabeth. His humble Welsh beginnings edges the bad guys among them: Lynching got its would always be a reference point for him, never name from the name of Charles Lynch, a justice of forgotten. He passed away unexpectedly from a cer- the peace of Ulster Scots ancestry who meted out ebral bleed at the age of 58 in 1984 at his home in rough justice in colonial Virginia. Switzerland. Sources Consulted: One of the most engaging stories involves a Wyo- ming lawman, Alexander Campbell “PeeWee” Munn, Michael, Richard Burton: Prince of Players, New McDougall, born in Edinburgh. In the 1930s, he York: Sky Horse Publishing, 2015. acted as an extra in several western movies. Once Bragg, Melvyn, Richard Burton A Life, Boston: Little, he appeared as one of the Indians attacking a wagon Brown, 1988. train. “We’d get sponged down in the Snake Ferris, Paul, Richard Burton, New York: Coward, River—my God it was cold!” McDougall told McCann & Geoghegan, 1981 and 1984. Hewitson. “Then they’d paint us with mud and cal- cimine for scenes when we attacked the covered Book Reviews wagons.” In 1952, McDougall was elected sheriff of Fremont County, Wyoming. Discovering America, Scottish Style In America, Scots often were seen as aloof and All things Scotland will take front and center in clannish. They formed ethnic clubs and associa- September at the W.I.S.E. seminar on Scottish re- tions, including the Denver Caledonia Club. After search. Keeping with the spirit of the moment, here members celebrated their heritage with a ball in are two very different books of interest to those who 1882, the Denver Republican newspaper com- call themselves Scots. Both are in the genealogy mented: “If any people know how to enjoy them- collection of the Denver Public Library. selves, it’s the Scot[s]. Of course, they’re somewhat clannish but a people coming from a country so rich Jim Hewitson, Tam Blake & Co.: The Story of the in historical reminiscences have a right to be.” Scots in America, Edinburgh: Canongate Press Ltd., 1993. Tam Blake was the first Scot recorded in Hewitson’s many family stories and anecdotes give American history – he was with the Coronado ex- his collection a genealogical bent. His six-page in- pedition into the Southwest in 1540—and the au- dex lists hundreds of names and places, well worth thor took great delight in telling stories of the looking at if you’re looking for a Scot in the USA. millions of Scots who came after him. The author, In other books, Hewitson has explored the clans Jim Hewitson, is a Scottish journalist who lives in Douglas, MacFarlane and MacInnes and has sev- the Orkneys and whose keen interest grew out of eral other Scotland-related titles to his credit. his correspondence with North American Scots J. Charles Thompson, So You’re Going to Wear the over the years. The stories cover only the United Kilt, [Arlington, VA], first edition, 1979.So you States, not Canada, and they’re illustrated with pho- want to wear a tartan, a kilt? Go for it. You needn’t tos from both private and public collections. even be Scottish, though those who choose that mode of dress usually have an affinity for Scottish

www.wise-fhs.org W.I.S.E. Words 67 October, November, December 2018 tradition. Good taste is the issue, not the right or This 104-page book is illustrated with drawings that wrong tartan. So says the author, J. Charles Thomp- demonstrate his points of style and etiquette, in- son, an American who gained a reputation as “the cluding sketches of handsome men in kilts. His foremost expert on tartans in North America” by the chapter on women in kilts seems dated and irrele- Scottish Tartans Society. This book goes back 40 vant today: “No lady is going to wear the kilt. This years, and has been revised at least once, but is not male chauvinism, it is anatomy.” Modern Thompson’s affection for and knowledge of the women wear what’s known as a kilt skirt and “finest national dress in the world” hasn’t dimin- Thompson offers “rules” on how to wear them. It ished in its usefulness today. seems that experts disagree on the correct way to display the sash. What tartan should you choose? At some point long ago, there were attempts to assign patterns to clans, Thompson offers advice aplenty: Beware of short- but no longer. There’s no harm, he says, in consult- ening a kilt, for instance. The bottom is the selvedge ing compiled lists based on those old connections, of the fabric and a hem would make it bunchy and just don’t be surprised if the lists disagree. “There unattractive, destroying the whole appearance. If are some people who still like to talk about the right the kilt is too long, “find someone with a clear eye to wear a clan tartan and don’t realize they are talk- and steady hand at the sewing machine,” and show ing nonsense,” he says. If you do have a family tra- them Mr. Thompson’s precise directions for short- dition, he advises relying on that. But just liking the ening it. And never call the kilt a costume, he warns. colors and pattern is enough. Properly, it’s “Scottish attire.” --Zoe von Ende Lappin

W.I.S.E. Program Schedule Friday Pre-Seminar Program 14 September 2018 Christine Woodcock and John Mears 1:30 p.m. Finding Your Scottish Ancestors Denver Public Library Basement Saturday Scottish Research Seminar featuring Christine Woodcock 15 September 2018 Christine is a genealogy educator with expertise in Scottish records. Alt- 9:00 a.m. hough Christine and her parents emigrated to Canada, Christine grew up Denver Public Library immersed in Scottish culture. Basement Saturday What is in a Name? One Name Studies are for Everyone! 22 September 2018 James Jeffrey 1:30 p.m. Learn the value in collecting all known information about a common name Denver Public Library to discover what can come from this adventure. 7th Floor Saturday WWI – Focus on British Isles 27 October 2018 Sandy Ronayne 1:30 p.m. 11 November 2018 is the 100th Anniversary of Armistice Day—the end of Denver Public Library World War I. Sandy will use case studies and discuss types of U.S. and 7th Floor British records and where they may be located. Saturday Special Holiday Meeting 1 December 2018 Details forthcoming at meetings and at http://www.wise-fhs.org 1:30 p.m.